“In July 2013, the North Vancouver Museum and Archives received conditional approval from council to develop a museum at the Shipyards provided that they raise $5 million by Dec. 31, 2015. The city pledged to match contributions up to $5 million if the target was met.”

“As of Dec. 31, the drive had reached 83 per cent of its target and currently it has two major corporate donations reaching final approval stages which would add $600,000 to the total.”

“Coun. Craig Keating said the biggest factor in his decision was the BDO Canada report to council last year that “advised council that even were the monies to be raised on the capital side of the project there was a very high probability that this would not be a successful enterprise in terms of financial problems going forward. This in my mind was very sobering news. … They brought forward these recommendations in terms of business case.””

“The original motion – to not support the concept plan with staff reporting back to council with possible options for the relocation of the museum – was then voted on and passed 4-2, with Couns. Bell and Bookham in opposition.”

“Mussatto thanked the campaign organizers for their diligent efforts but noted, “what was a clincher was the BDO study. The BDO study made some observations that they felt had to be said… that was a big flag for me.”

Reached after the meeting, Evans expressed his disappointment over council’s decision. “We felt we were were so close to the target that it would just make sense to finish the job and get on with it,” said Evans.”